Manatee County Community Calendar Packed With Family Festivals, Sports and Civic Events
Residents across Manatee County will have a wide range of events to choose from between May 11 and May 18, with community festivals, sports games, networking gatherings, educational forums and family activities scheduled throughout the week.
The Salvation Army of Manatee County will host multiple events during National Salvation Army Week, including a Family Fun Day on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at its Bradenton Corps location on 24th Street East. The free community block party will feature food, music, games and inflatables for families.
A community open house and complimentary lunch is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, from noon to 2 p.m. at the organization’s location on 14th Street West in Bradenton. The event will include tours of the family shelter and veterans and men’s shelter while highlighting 103 years of service in Manatee County.
Sports fans will have several opportunities to attend special themed events during the week. The Bradenton Marauders will host Faith and Family Night on Friday, May 15, at LECOM Park, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game as part of the evening festivities.
The Marauders will also host Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 16, during the Kiwanis Family Festival at LECOM Park. The festival, scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., will include fireworks, inflatables, vendors, face painting, chance drawings and access to the MCR Health Dental and Eye Bus. The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Manatee River and Bradenton Kiwanis.
Soccer fans can attend Sarasota Paradise FC’s Military Appreciation Game against AV Alta FC on May 16. The event will honor military members and veterans during the match.
Several civic and leadership events are also planned throughout the week. UnidosNow will host a Manatee County School Board District 2 candidate forum on Thursday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the 13th AV Dream Center in Bradenton. The forum will provide residents an opportunity to hear from candidates and learn more about local voting information in a bilingual-friendly setting.
Leadership Manatee Alumni Association will hold its Kent C. Schulz Award Luncheon and Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 13, at 11:30 a.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Judge Gilbert Smith Jr. will be honored as the 2026 recipient.
Residents interested in workforce development and skilled trades can attend the Build the Future Skills to Start event on Wednesday, May 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Red Wing Shoe Store on 53rd Avenue East in Bradenton. The event will include career guidance, information on skilled trades opportunities, scholarship resources, free food and giveaways.
Community members interested in regional growth and civic engagement can attend a keynote presentation on Sunday, May 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Worthington in Ellenton. The event will focus on the North River Manatee County initiative exploring community-led change and regional growth challenges.
Music lovers can enjoy the season’s final concert series at GT Bray Park Amphitheater. Zion Albert is scheduled to perform Friday, May 15, as part of the Third Fridays concert series presented by HCA Florida Healthcare.
The week’s schedule reflects a busy season of community engagement across Manatee County, with organizations offering activities centered on family entertainment, civic participation, education and local culture.